Mullins cousins land grandparents' race with Vischio

Vischio burst through on the run-in to record an impressive victory in the opening Paddy & Maureen Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown, giving cousins Emmet and Danny Mullins a poignant winner in the race named after their grandparents.

The Holy Roman Emperor filly was having her first start since joining Emmet Mullins and went to post an 8/1 shot, in first time tongue-tie and hood.

Danny Mullins started the race with his legs out of the irons and dropped his mount in, in the early stages of the two-mile-two contest.

He weaved his way into contention going to the final flight and switched left after the last to get a run.

Vischio picked up in style to hit the front and was pulling away at the line to record a five-length win over Kimy

The pair were the first from the Mullins family to land this race and the winning trainer said afterwards:-

“Danny and Jack (Cantillon of Syndicates Racing) were talking at the sales back in October. She came advised from Danny and Jack was plucky to put up his hand, and this race has been the plan since then.

“Once or twice I wasn’t sure where I had her but luckily she just came right in the last week or two and she’s not a mare that takes a whole lot of work. It’s panned out in our favour for a change.

“It’s about getting her off at the start and then holding onto her. I said to him to hold onto her for two miles and he was adamant he’d hold onto her for two miles and one!

“She met a lot of trouble but was tough and gutsy and hit the line well.

“It’s been a special 12 months winning Granny’s race, the National Hunt Chase, at the Cheltenham Festival as well.

“If there was an early season pattern race on the Flat with cut in the ground, she’ll probably take her chance.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)